BioRia Estarreja

The ria of Aveiro is the ideal spot for birdwatching activities, as well as a privileged destination for birdwatchers worldwide due to the excellence of its natural habitats for protected species, such as the purple heron (Ardea purpurea). BioRia, a project developed and consolidated by the City Hall of Estarreja, offers several walking and cycling trails, revealing the highly rich natural heritage of the region.

The Aveiro "Ria" is the ideal spot for birdwatching activities, as well as a privileged destination for birdwatchers worldwide due to the excellence of its natural habitats for protected species, such as the purple heron (Ardea purpurea). BioRia, a project developed and consolidated by the City Hall of Estarreja, offers several walking and cycling trails, revealing the highly rich natural heritage of the region.

To discover the perfect spots for birdwatching, BioRia organises guided tours on foot, bike and electric vehicle. These tours cost 2€ per adult and 1€ per student.

There are 7 signed trails to discover:

Salreu (7,7 km, 02:30);
Rio Jardim (1,8 km, 01:00);
Bocage (3,6 km, 01:30);
Rio Antuã (5,7 km, 02:00);
Rio Gonde (3,5 km, 01:30);
Ribeiras de Pardilhó (7,7 km, 01:30);
Ribeiras de Veiros (7,5 km, 02:30);
Fermelã (10,1 km, 03:00).

The visit on electric vehicle and on bike last 1 hour and a half and on foot 2 hours and 50 minutes, approximately. Group visits can last up to 4 hours.

Bike rentals

At the Environmental Interpretation Centre CIA – Centro de Interpretação Ambiental visitors can rent bikes at very affordable prices:
Adults: 1 € per hour| 2 € half-day | 3 € full day
Children: 0,5 € per hour | 1 € half-day | 1,5 €s full day

Kayak rental

Apart from bikes, CIA has 2 individual kayaks and 4 kayaks for 2 persons that can be used according to the tides (call to know if they are available). Price: €2 per hour

Other resources

At the CIA, you can also rent binoculars and audio-guides MP4 in Portuguese, English and Spanish. There are also bathrooms and locker rooms with showers.

There is also an electric car available for visits in Salreu trail. A minimum of 4 visitors is required as well as previous booking. Price: €2 per person.

Throughout the year you can observe around 180 bird species: some birds actually inhabit the lagoon, while others are migratory Winter or Summer birds.

Take the chance to engage in several activities, discovering the beautiful riverside area and the BioRia tours. Dare to unveil all these natural mysteries!

Nature lives here in Estarreja!

Schedule of the Environmental Interpretation Centre CIA – Centro de Interpretação Ambiental

April to October [opened everyday]
April to August: 9h-12h | 15h-20h
September: 9h-12h30 | 15h-19h30
October: 9h-12h30 | 14h-18h30

November to March [opened on weekends and holidays]
November to January: 9h-12h30 | 13h30-17h30
February : 9h-12h30 | 13h30-18h
March : 9h-12h30 | 14h30-19h

[Closed on December 24th, 25th and 31st and January 1st]

Photos by Emanuele Siracusa Photography

Bike rentals

Kayak rental

Other resources

Schedule of the Environmental Interpretation Centre CIA – Centro de Interpretação Ambiental

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